New low pressure area to bring rains

MANILA, Philippines — A low-pressure area (LPA) east of the country is expected to intensify into a tropical depression on Tuesday or Wednesday, bringing rains to huge parts of the country within the week, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said.

As of 4 p.m. on Monday, the LPA was spotted at 1,005 kilometers east of Virac, Catanduanes province. Once it strengthens within 48 hours, it will be named Tropical Depression “Ramon.” By then, it will be the 18th tropical cyclone to enter the Philippine area of responsibility.

On Tuesday, its trough or extension will bring cloudy skies with scattered rains and thunderstorms over Visayas, Northern Mindanao, Bicol region, Caraga and Davao region. It will also affect the provinces of Quezon, Mindoro, Marinduque and Romblon.

Residents in these areas are cautioned against possible flash floods or landslides during severe thunderstorms.